Lymphoma is a cancerous condition that affects the lymphatic system, with two main types: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the lymphoma.
A malignant lymphoma is a cancerous condition. It develops in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system and can affect many different parts of the body. Lymphomas are generally divided into two different categories. Some are called Hodgkin lymphomas, which develop in B cells, or those that defend the body against infecting invaders. Others are considered non-Hodgkin lymphomas and develop in B cells or T cells, which also provide protection from viruses.
The lymphatic system is made up of many ducts that are responsible for carrying lymphocytes, cells that fight infection, through a person’s body. Lymphocytes are transported in a fluid called lymph. In addition to fighting infection, lymphocytes also attack precancerous cells.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of malignant lymphoma. When a person has this type of lymphoma, their B cells experience abnormal growth that can even move to other parts of the body outside of the lymphatic system. When cells multiply and form cancerous tumors, a person’s immune system suffers and their body’s ability to fight infection is impaired.
Less common than non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma typically affects people between the ages of 15 and 40 and people over the age of 55. It causes symptoms such as unrelenting tiredness, swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, night sweats, itching, and weight loss. It can also cause coughing, chest pain and loss of appetite. While this type of malignant lymphoma can be fatal, some people make a full recovery with treatment.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma also develops in a person’s lymphatic system, but is more common than the variety of Hodgkin’s disease. This type of lymphoma can develop in a person’s T cells or B cells. It can affect people of any age group, but is more likely to develop in someone over the age of 60. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma develops when lymphocytes fail to proceed through a normal life cycle and die when they should; they continue the process of growth and division, forming tumors instead. As a result, a person’s lymph nodes swell and they develop symptoms similar to those of Hodgkin’s disease.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma typically progresses very slowly, and doctors may recommend delaying treatment until symptoms warrant it. However, this decision depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s general health and age. Unfortunately, this type of malignant lymphoma can come back, even after a person has been treated successfully.
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